Many gym-goers who think they are training optimally forget this: focus.
After completing a set, you see them scrolling on their phones, having a conversation, or getting distracted by something completely different from the workout. Then, without any hesitation, they grab the weight for the next set.
But if you truly want to train with the effort and focus needed to build muscle optimally, then before every set there must always be at least a brief moment to pause, mentally tune in, and determine exactly what you are going to do with your next set: what is your rep target, what is the correct form, how many repetitions are you saving ‘in the tank’?
It’s not that you need to overanalyze every set, but you shouldn’t approach it on autopilot either. By focusing beforehand, you get the best out of your set.
In short, to achieve the best results, start your next set before you pick up the weight.